Page 66 of Tough as Steele

“Couldn’t resist it.” Peyton gave the man a tight smile and perched on a chair. She wore pressed deep navy jeans paired with a soft blue linen top that highlighted her red hair. Her blouse was a feminine touch, but she had that no-nonsense look about her that most patrol officers wore when they meant business.

Londyn sat when she really wanted to remain standing and have that intimidation factor right off the bat. She was walking a tightrope. One side, she had to find out if this man had had his mother-in-law abducted. But if he hadn’t, Londyn needed to make sure he was still open to the Steele Guardians’ bid for security services.

“You and Peyton might have a lot in common,” Londyn said. “She likes things neat and tidy, including her finances, and she knows all about the challenges you’re facing right now.”

Charles’s gaze swung to Peyton. “Is that so?”

Peyton nodded. “I don’t envy you your job right now. Finding liquid funds that aren’t set aside for contingencies or earmarked for payables is tough. Especially in today’s business climate.”

“Youdounderstand my challenge.” His flirtatious grin sickened Londyn.

Why did Clarice put up with him? Especially since he seemed to be gambling away all of their money?

“I hear you like to gamble,” Londyn said right up front.

His gaze swung to Londyn, and it was as sharp as a diamond blade. “A fun hobby.”

“Our investigations revealed it’s a bit more than a hobby,” she said. “Maybe more of an addiction.”

“You investigated me?” His hand flew to his chest, and he straightened his pinstripe tie that hung loose at the neck. “What on earth for? You should be looking for the kidnappers.”

“We often find that people close to abducted children and adults have some connection to the kidnapped person,” Londyn said, holding his gaze.

“You can’t seriously think I took Mimi.”

“We have to work every avenue.” She gave him a tight smile. “Like asking you about your assault charges and the time you served.”

“What about it?” He crossed his arms and glared at her.

“You essentially kidnapped your former girlfriend,” Peyton said. “And somehow lucked out that you weren’t charged for that.”

“It wasn’t kidnapping. She could’ve left.”

“But you took her out to the boonies, and she had nowhere to go.”

“Still, wasn’t kidnapping.” His arms tightened.

Peyton flattened her hands on the table, her confrontational gaze powerful and intimidating. “Close enough to make us wonder if you would kidnap Mimi too.”

“I didn’t kidnap Mimi.” He jutted out his chin. “That’s just nuts.”

He wasn’t going to admit it. That was clear. But then she doubted he would.

Londyn would move on. “Do you know Silas Wigg or Donald Gaskin? Maybe met them in prison?”

“No. No.” His tone was sharp and adamant, but his face lost color. It could be from his anger receding, but Londyn thought there was more to it than that.

She would look into a connection between them. “What about a Jessica Oates?”

He shook his head. “Are these people who you think took Mimi?”

“You’re sure you don’t know any of them?” Londyn asked, ignoring his question.

“Positive.”

“What about the gambling?” Londyn pressed forward. “I know your finances are in rough shape, and two million dollars of ransom money would help.”

“That’s ludicrous. I could never look my wife in the face again if I did something like that.”

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